The Director, Product Strategy & Growth is accountable for the strategic direction, growth, profitability and lifecycle management of an assigned product portfolio. The role translates customer, market and business insight into a
focused portfolio strategy, investment roadmap and commercialization plan that strengthen market position and deliver measurable value for customers, distribution partners and the business.
...
As a senior product leader and people leader, the Director brings together teams across Product, Distribution, Marketing, Digital, Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal, Risk and Compliance to make sound portfolio choices,
accelerate execution and ensure products remain relevant, sustainable and differentiated.
đź“… Duration: 20-month contract
Location: Toronto, ON
• Hybrid work arrangements and office location are subject to business and organizational requirements.
• Travel may be required for internal events, client meetings, partner engagements, advisory boards and industry
conferences.
Advantages
Work-Life Balance
Work Model: Hybrid
Team Culture: Be part of a great team known for its strong sense of community.
Responsibilities
Strategy and portfolio ownership
• Own and continuously refine the long-term strategy, value proposition and investment roadmap for the assigned
portfolio, aligned to enterprise and business priorities.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including ideation, validation, development, launch, optimization,
modernization, rationalization and, where required, responsible exit or run-off.
• Maintain a focused and relevant product shelf that supports growth, client retention, member value, operational
sustainability and market differentiation.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear choices, sequenced roadmaps, investment recommendations and
measurable outcomes.
• Structure complex or ambiguous business opportunities into evidence-based assessments and business cases
that clearly articulate customer and business value, financial implications, operational impacts, risks,
dependencies and trade-offs.
Customer, market and competitive insights
• Champion the voice of the customer by incorporating sponsor, member, advisor and distribution insights into
product strategy, design and prioritization.
• Use customer research, market intelligence, competitive analysis, emerging trends and performance data to
identify unmet needs, growth opportunities and portfolio risks.
• Define the customer and business problems to be solved and ensure product decisions are grounded in evidence,
clear hypotheses and expected outcomes.
• Monitor developments in technology, regulation, healthcare, benefits and adjacent markets to anticipate changes
that may affect the portfolio.
Growth, commercialization and performance
• Lead commercialization and go-to-market strategies that strengthen positioning, enable distribution and improve
adoption, engagement, revenue and profitability.
PRODUCT TEAM POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director, Product Strategy & Growth
• Partner with Sales, Marketing and Distribution to develop compelling value propositions, sales narratives, launch
plans and client-facing materials.
• Establish and regularly review portfolio scorecards covering customer outcomes, adoption, growth, revenue,
profitability, operational health, risk and strategic value, with clear accountability for delivering agreed portfolio
outcomes
• Use performance insights to recommend investment, optimization, pricing, remediation or exit decisions and
communicate progress to senior leadership.
Product and delivery leadership
• Lead major product initiatives from opportunity assessment and business case through delivery, launch and
benefits realization.
• Set strategic priorities and desired outcomes for cross-functional delivery teams, ensuring resources remain
focused on the highest-value opportunities.
• Guide discovery, experimentation and validation using customer research, concept testing, analytics and other fit for-purpose methods before significant investment is made.
• Partner with Digital, Technology, Design and Operations leaders to create integrated experiences and scalable
solutions; provide direction on scope and minimum viable product decisions.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to use AI, automation, data and emerging digital capabilities to improve
customer value, operating effectiveness or business performance.
• Lead the strategic management of external product partners and vendors, working with Procurement and
business partners on selection, contracting, renewals, service expectations, performance and ongoing strategic
alignment.
• Ensure product launches and material changes are operationally ready, with appropriate contracts, policy
provisions, processes, training, communications, controls and distribution enablement in place.
Risk, governance and regulatory stewardship
• Own product governance for the assigned portfolio and ensure material product, customer, contractual,
operational, financial and regulatory risks are understood and managed.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Privacy and other control functions to obtain required approvals and
ensure products and communications meet applicable requirements.
• Bring forward clear decisions, trade-offs and recommendations when risk, customer value, economics or delivery
feasibility are in tension.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, controls, decision records and escalation paths across the product
lifecycle.
Enterprise leadership and talent development
• Build strong relationships and influence across functions and levels to align stakeholders, resolve ambiguity and
move complex decisions forward.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and building strength in strategic
thinking, commercial acumen, customer insight and execution.
• Create an inclusive, accountable and learning-oriented team environment that encourages constructive challenge
and sound decision-making.
• Represent the portfolio in senior leadership discussions, capabilities presentations, distribution forums, client
meetings, advisory boards and industry events as required.
• Lead strategic initiatives spanning the broader product organization or business where enterprise priorities require
cross-portfolio leadership.
PRODUCT TEAM POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director, Product Strategy & Growth
Measures of success
• Clear portfolio strategy and roadmap with demonstrated alignment to business priorities.
• Measurable improvement in customer value, adoption, growth, profitability, retention and/or strategic
differentiation, as appropriate to the portfolio.
• Disciplined investment choices supported by evidence, transparent trade-offs and defined success measures.
• Reliable delivery of priority initiatives, with effective management of scope, dependencies, risks and benefits
realization.
• Strong product governance, partner performance and lifecycle management.
• An engaged, capable team with clear accountability and succession depth.
Qualifications
Required
• Undergraduate degree in business, finance, marketing, health, technology or a related field, or equivalent
experience.
• Typically 8+ years of progressive product, strategy, innovation or commercialization, including leadership of
complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in financial services, insurance, group benefits, health, wellbeing, disability or other
regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience developing product or portfolio strategies and translating them into executable
roadmaps, business cases and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply product and strategic capabilities across different portfolios, quickly build subject matter expertise and lead effectively as business priorities evolve.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience assessing product economics, investment trade offs and portfolio performance.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a highly matrixed and regulated environment.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing people and building effective teams.
• Excellent executive communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues, frame decisions and
deliver clear recommendations.
Preferred
• Experience in group benefits, health, wellbeing, dental and/or disability products, including employer-sponsored
solutions.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships, vendors or ecosystem-based propositions.
• Experience with digital product development, customer experience design, agile delivery and data-informed
experimentation.
• Working knowledge of relevant compliance, privacy, risk and product governance practices.
Leadership capabilities
Summary
To Apply: If you are a professional looking to join a dynamic team, please apply directly with your resume to be considered for this opportunity.
Randstad Canada is committed to fostering a workforce reflective of all peoples of Canada. As a result, we are committed to developing and implementing strategies to increase the equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace by examining our internal policies, practices, and systems throughout the entire lifecycle of our workforce, including its recruitment, retention and advancement for all employees. In addition to our deep commitment to respecting human rights, we are dedicated to positive actions to affect change to ensure everyone has full participation in the workforce free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise, especially equity-seeking groups who are usually underrepresented in Canada's workforce, including those who identify as women or non-binary/gender non-conforming; Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples; persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) and; members of visible minorities, racialized groups and the LGBTQ2+ community.
Randstad Canada is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that all job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by sending an email to accessibility@randstad.ca to ensure their ability to fully participate in the interview process.
This posting is for existing and upcoming vacancies.
show more
The Director, Product Strategy & Growth is accountable for the strategic direction, growth, profitability and lifecycle management of an assigned product portfolio. The role translates customer, market and business insight into a
focused portfolio strategy, investment roadmap and commercialization plan that strengthen market position and deliver measurable value for customers, distribution partners and the business.
As a senior product leader and people leader, the Director brings together teams across Product, Distribution, Marketing, Digital, Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal, Risk and Compliance to make sound portfolio choices,
accelerate execution and ensure products remain relevant, sustainable and differentiated.
đź“… Duration: 20-month contract
Location: Toronto, ON
• Hybrid work arrangements and office location are subject to business and organizational requirements.
• Travel may be required for internal events, client meetings, partner engagements, advisory boards and industry
conferences.
Advantages
Work-Life Balance
Work Model: Hybrid
Team Culture: Be part of a great team known for its strong sense of community.
...
Responsibilities
Strategy and portfolio ownership
• Own and continuously refine the long-term strategy, value proposition and investment roadmap for the assigned
portfolio, aligned to enterprise and business priorities.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including ideation, validation, development, launch, optimization,
modernization, rationalization and, where required, responsible exit or run-off.
• Maintain a focused and relevant product shelf that supports growth, client retention, member value, operational
sustainability and market differentiation.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear choices, sequenced roadmaps, investment recommendations and
measurable outcomes.
• Structure complex or ambiguous business opportunities into evidence-based assessments and business cases
that clearly articulate customer and business value, financial implications, operational impacts, risks,
dependencies and trade-offs.
Customer, market and competitive insights
• Champion the voice of the customer by incorporating sponsor, member, advisor and distribution insights into
product strategy, design and prioritization.
• Use customer research, market intelligence, competitive analysis, emerging trends and performance data to
identify unmet needs, growth opportunities and portfolio risks.
• Define the customer and business problems to be solved and ensure product decisions are grounded in evidence,
clear hypotheses and expected outcomes.
• Monitor developments in technology, regulation, healthcare, benefits and adjacent markets to anticipate changes
that may affect the portfolio.
Growth, commercialization and performance
• Lead commercialization and go-to-market strategies that strengthen positioning, enable distribution and improve
adoption, engagement, revenue and profitability.
PRODUCT TEAM POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director, Product Strategy & Growth
• Partner with Sales, Marketing and Distribution to develop compelling value propositions, sales narratives, launch
plans and client-facing materials.
• Establish and regularly review portfolio scorecards covering customer outcomes, adoption, growth, revenue,
profitability, operational health, risk and strategic value, with clear accountability for delivering agreed portfolio
outcomes
• Use performance insights to recommend investment, optimization, pricing, remediation or exit decisions and
communicate progress to senior leadership.
Product and delivery leadership
• Lead major product initiatives from opportunity assessment and business case through delivery, launch and
benefits realization.
• Set strategic priorities and desired outcomes for cross-functional delivery teams, ensuring resources remain
focused on the highest-value opportunities.
• Guide discovery, experimentation and validation using customer research, concept testing, analytics and other fit for-purpose methods before significant investment is made.
• Partner with Digital, Technology, Design and Operations leaders to create integrated experiences and scalable
solutions; provide direction on scope and minimum viable product decisions.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to use AI, automation, data and emerging digital capabilities to improve
customer value, operating effectiveness or business performance.
• Lead the strategic management of external product partners and vendors, working with Procurement and
business partners on selection, contracting, renewals, service expectations, performance and ongoing strategic
alignment.
• Ensure product launches and material changes are operationally ready, with appropriate contracts, policy
provisions, processes, training, communications, controls and distribution enablement in place.
Risk, governance and regulatory stewardship
• Own product governance for the assigned portfolio and ensure material product, customer, contractual,
operational, financial and regulatory risks are understood and managed.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Privacy and other control functions to obtain required approvals and
ensure products and communications meet applicable requirements.
• Bring forward clear decisions, trade-offs and recommendations when risk, customer value, economics or delivery
feasibility are in tension.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, controls, decision records and escalation paths across the product
lifecycle.
Enterprise leadership and talent development
• Build strong relationships and influence across functions and levels to align stakeholders, resolve ambiguity and
move complex decisions forward.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and building strength in strategic
thinking, commercial acumen, customer insight and execution.
• Create an inclusive, accountable and learning-oriented team environment that encourages constructive challenge
and sound decision-making.
• Represent the portfolio in senior leadership discussions, capabilities presentations, distribution forums, client
meetings, advisory boards and industry events as required.
• Lead strategic initiatives spanning the broader product organization or business where enterprise priorities require
cross-portfolio leadership.
PRODUCT TEAM POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director, Product Strategy & Growth
Measures of success
• Clear portfolio strategy and roadmap with demonstrated alignment to business priorities.
• Measurable improvement in customer value, adoption, growth, profitability, retention and/or strategic
differentiation, as appropriate to the portfolio.
• Disciplined investment choices supported by evidence, transparent trade-offs and defined success measures.
• Reliable delivery of priority initiatives, with effective management of scope, dependencies, risks and benefits
realization.
• Strong product governance, partner performance and lifecycle management.
• An engaged, capable team with clear accountability and succession depth.
Qualifications
Required
• Undergraduate degree in business, finance, marketing, health, technology or a related field, or equivalent
experience.
• Typically 8+ years of progressive product, strategy, innovation or commercialization, including leadership of
complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in financial services, insurance, group benefits, health, wellbeing, disability or other
regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience developing product or portfolio strategies and translating them into executable
roadmaps, business cases and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply product and strategic capabilities across different portfolios, quickly build subject matter expertise and lead effectively as business priorities evolve.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience assessing product economics, investment trade offs and portfolio performance.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a highly matrixed and regulated environment.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing people and building effective teams.
• Excellent executive communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues, frame decisions and
deliver clear recommendations.
Preferred
• Experience in group benefits, health, wellbeing, dental and/or disability products, including employer-sponsored
solutions.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships, vendors or ecosystem-based propositions.
• Experience with digital product development, customer experience design, agile delivery and data-informed
experimentation.
• Working knowledge of relevant compliance, privacy, risk and product governance practices.
Leadership capabilities
Summary
To Apply: If you are a professional looking to join a dynamic team, please apply directly with your resume to be considered for this opportunity.
Randstad Canada is committed to fostering a workforce reflective of all peoples of Canada. As a result, we are committed to developing and implementing strategies to increase the equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace by examining our internal policies, practices, and systems throughout the entire lifecycle of our workforce, including its recruitment, retention and advancement for all employees. In addition to our deep commitment to respecting human rights, we are dedicated to positive actions to affect change to ensure everyone has full participation in the workforce free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise, especially equity-seeking groups who are usually underrepresented in Canada's workforce, including those who identify as women or non-binary/gender non-conforming; Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples; persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) and; members of visible minorities, racialized groups and the LGBTQ2+ community.
Randstad Canada is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that all job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by sending an email to accessibility@randstad.ca to ensure their ability to fully participate in the interview process.
This posting is for existing and upcoming vacancies.
show more